Mikel Leshoure Injured: Tiki Barber and 8 RBs Detroit Lions Should Target

That's what we get for being optimistic.

The Detroit Lions lost rookie running back Mikel Leshoure Monday to a torn Achilles tendon.

Needless to say, that leaves the Lions with an incomplete backfield as Leshoure was set to be in position to make a huge impact as a rookie.

Now, the Lions only have the young and relatively untested Jahvid Best and veteran Maurice Morris who is nursing a broken hand.

The answer must come from outside of the organization. And while there are sure to be more players dropped as the preseason goes on, chances are that this is the best time to grab a free agent back since there are sure to be plenty more injuries with such a truncated offseason.

Here are 10 backs that could fit the Lions.

Brian Westbrook

Granted, last year he did not look great rushing for only 340 yards.

However, he still could be good in the right situation, judging by his 4.4 yards per carry.

He also is a legit pass catcher and could be a very solid third-down back.

The downside is that he no longer runs exceptionally well between the tackles, and this is what Detroit would ideally like to get here.

Laurence Maroney

Maroney has pretty much been a bust so far.

However, he still is young and could benefit from a new role and a new location.

Just two years ago, he rushed for nine touchdowns.

Add to that a solid frame that can take punishment, and you could have a nice fit.

Tiki Barber

Barber has been away from the game for a while, but he still had plenty in the tank when he retired from New York.

In his last season in 2006, he rushed for over 1,600 yards on 5.1 yards per carry.

This is a stretch and the Lions would have to be sure that he could still play, but it would be a nice insurance policy if they can get him for cheap.

Jerome Harrison

Just two years agom Harrison, a Kalamazoo native, was the toast of the fantasy football world. His last few games saw him rush for at least 127 yards each game with a high water mark of an amazing 286 against the Chiefs!

So what happened?

Inconsistent play in Cleveland led him to get traded to Philly where he was mainly a spectator.

Perhaps a return to his home state could turn things around for him?

Mike Hart

True, Hart has struggled to stay on the field and has been inconsistent when healthy.

But he has shown some flashes, including an 84-yard performance at the end of last year against the Texans.

Sure, everyone runs on the Texans, but he did look good.

Besides, we all know how tough he is, gaining many a yard for Michigan.

Kevin Smith

I know, none of us are too jazzed about Kevin Smith returning.

That being said, this is a very thin free agent crop of running backs, and he already does know the playbook.

Correll Buckhalter

True, he is not a free agent.

However, the Broncos just signed Willis McGahee to a three-year deal to go along with Knowshon Moreno.

The writing is on the wall.

Buckhalter is a good, strong, dependable back.

Keith Toston

There is a lot to like about Keith Toston.

He is young, strong and big.

He is, however, a current member of the Rams.

That being said, they just signed Caddilac Williams to back up Steven Jackson, so he could be available.